Five Things

 In honor and admiration of Cupcakes and Cashmere's Emily, I imitated one of her signature style posts. 

Five Things

making me happy at this very moment...

1. Rainbows

2. Hippie hobo bag

3. Essie nail polish

4. Natty Ice

5. Faux Aviators 

After a long day of class, followed by a brief Shakespeare session (where Katie and I had to pretend to be theatre majors - ugh), I had just made it home when it hit me... today was really the last day of classes! So naturally, I grabbed a beverage, went out on the deck, and watched one of my last College Park sunsets as an undergrad (still outside as I post this).  I decided to capture the moment with my whimpy wannabe-photographer skills. 

 Here is a little bit of scenery from our backyard... 

Crackberry Photography 101

University Club was strategically hidden in the backdrop (shh)

My fourth roommate, Shelby

To end the evening and begin the night, I'll leave you with a bonus #6... Boston almost always makes me happy but they're especially effective tonight since this jam pretty much captures the last-day-of-school & first-night-of-summer feeling perfectly... (final exams are not real).

More Than A Feelin' (really good cover) 

Missoni Hearts Havaianas

"Havaianas is a cult."

                                 - Angela Missoni 

During my ADHD detours while avoiding final papers, I discovered something amazing in

the world of flip flops... Missoni ♥ Havaianas! And I heart both of them. 

Missoni is an incredible Italian fashion designer and Havaianas are an amazing Brazilian brand of flip flops. Papers are calling my name, so I will summarize quickly. Italia has collaborated with Brasília to make 4 limited edition footwear creations that were released this week and have already sold out online! They’re so gorgeous and colorful and probably make feet feel pretty. I'm sure they will restock and be available soon, hopefully by May 20. Another graduation gift? I think so. (Hi Mom!) 

Chocolate Covered Creations

I found the weirdest thing in my Easter basket... 

Chocolate covered Peeps!

This would be a picture of the actual thing but I ate it immediately, sorry I'm not sorry >: )

I'm sure candy addicts and Easter celebrators are familiar with standard Peeps but for those who are not, a peep is basically fluffy marshmallow covered in granulated sprinkles and shaped like a baby chick or rabbit. They come in an assortment of spring colors, typically yellow, pink and baby blue and they're delicious.

*Disclaimer: multiple peeps may induce nausea and/or spoil your appetite for brunch. (do not exceed 3) 

Standard Peeps w/ sloppy faces

However, these new chocolate covered peeps are a revelation and so much better than regular ones, definitely my bunny basket obsession this year. This Easter day discovery also reminded me of something... so many things become phenomenally better when smothered and covered in chocolate!  

A little list of average deliciousness made crazy good when covered by chocolat (francias)...

1. S'mores (always reminds me of Sandlot, "you're killin me Smalls")  

2. Strawberries (classic fave)

3. Oreos (white chocolate)

Do you have a favorite chocolate covered food? Hope everyone had a very happy Easter! I began the day at my grandparents in Annapolis, MD and finished it up at my aunt's on the river in Fredricksburg, VA.

   The Rappahannock river & our view all afternoon

It took so much self-control to not kick off my flip-flops and dive in. How was your sunny Sunday? 

7 ways to be 70s Chic

Everyone say "Hello” because the 70s are back!

from Almost Famous 

They rolled into stores a few weeks ago and I am so excited! I'm a huge fan of the 80s (off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, movies, music) but their 21st century revival was getting tired, so I am totally diggin' this transition into retro. It brings back so many trends and makes them feel fresh again (I know I wasn't here for the actual era, but whatever). 

the fabulous Farrah Fawcett

Not all of these trends are foreign to our youthful closets, some we may remember from 7th grade (bell bottoms) and others were a big hit in kindergarden (floral prints). But now that we can wear big girl shoes (heels, platforms, wedges) the old school trends can be combined in so many more appealing ways. 
Here are 7 trend tips to feel '70s Chic: 

1. Vintage: A general concept for this style. You may achieve this by wearing faded anything, or choosing nudes and neutrals shades. 
2. Fringe: Possibly my most favorite detail on new bags and bathing suits. Yes, its looks a little like Pocohauntas but its a cute, fun, and a casual way to make your outfit unique. 
3. Cut-offs: Applies to tops and bottoms. The infamous short shorts are very in again and no, ripped jean shorts are not exclusive to Britney Spears and her wanabes (f.y.i. her new CD is amazing, almost as good as Blackout).
4. Prints & Patterns: Flower prints and tribal patterns, particularly. I have a preference for tribal, but I’m learning to appreciate the florals more.   
5. Belts & Bangles: Accessorize, and then accessorize. Big wide belts or skinny braided belts work well. Then tie something onto your wrists, ankles, neck, head or all the above. 
6. Clunkers: You may have tried clogs this year, but now get ready for summer’s version: wedges! I love, love wedges and platforms. They give the same height and appearance benefits of heels without murdering your toes. My friend is a diehard fan of Jeffery Campbell shoes; she entered a contest and was chosen to be one of the girls featured in his new promo video. Click here for the video (she’s the one in leopard). 
7. Chiffon: Light weight and breezy. Chiffon tops always feel pretty, feminine, and delicate.  

from Dazed and Confused 

Bring on the beads, beanies and long hair (don't care)... I think we’re in for a very seventies summer.  

Favorite Word?

Ba·nan·as [buh-nan-uhz]

So our weekly assignment for the blogosphere is to post about our favorite word. This task was almost as difficult as choosing my favorite song (impossible) but after 24 hours of careful and creative consideration, I’ve concluded my favorite word is BANANAS!

scroll to 2:30 mark 

It's easy to spell (and sing, thanks Gwen) and fun to say, especially when you emphasize all three syllables (Rach Zoe has perfected this particular pronunciation). I like that it is both a noun (fruit) and an adjective (describes something ridiculous, see video above). I also like that even spoiled bananas taste good when blended into smoothies or baked into bread. This is my favorite chocolate chip banana bread recipe, so delicious it's bananas.   

I assume this word is also a favorite of Rachel Zoe, the fashion icon and celebrity stylist. She dresses many major movie stars for every event imaginable including the Oscars. She also has a reality show on Bravo called The Rachel Zoe Project if you want to see her in action. Because of the show, America has witnessed her personality quirks for several years now and per usual of reality stars, youtube comedy spoofs have been made in her honor. Here is one of my favorite impersonations (observe the “ba-nan-as”ness):  

So what’s your favorite word?  I surveyed my friends via twitter, facebook, bbm and compiled the feedback into my 20 favorites of favorites word roster (the comical yet inappropriate responses were omitted from the list, sorry). 
Big thank you to everyone who participated, even the dirty word donators. 

Favorites of Favorites 

1. Serendipity 
2. Psychedelic 
3. Bonus
4. Love 
5. Heart
6. Ridiculous
7. Tragic
8. Audacity 
9. Spontaneity 
10.  Irrelevant 
11.  Summer
12.  Fabulous
13.  Moist
14.  Actually
15.  Divine
16.  Breathe
17.  Definitely
18.  Famous
19.  Imbecile
20. “Oh-my-god” (courtesy of my mother, she does a great Janice from Friends impression)  

Beautiful Fools.. and Books

That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.

                                                 - The Great Gatsby

Don’t be fooled by the fashion-exterior, mega-magazine readers (like myself) love books too. Yes, I read mostly chick lit and a few of the classics. I aim to find memorable beach reads. I’ll spare you my book reports and list five favorites I actually finished while still on vacation: 

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I’m with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie by Pamela Des Barres

The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank

Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin

They are listed in chronological order of when they were written. The last book is also the most recent to become a movie and will be in theaters on May 6! I'm really excited to see it. It stars one of my all-time favorite actresses Kate Hudson and other great actors including Ginnifer Goodwin and Colin Egglesfield. 

Electric Sun

Sun-lover and compulsive shopper? Tanning Boutiques exist.

A summer tan cannot come soon enough. Today I visited Electric Sun in Ellicott City. It has combined two of my favorite activities (tanning and shopping) to join a new genre of faux-sun salons called tanning boutiques. Its filled floor to ceiling with so many cute trinkets, ranging from wine openers to polka dot flops to Bride-to-Be totes. One of my favorite finds was a Big Buddha bag. Oh, and their tanning beds are top of line. I always leave bronzed, not burned. Visit their site or fan them on facebook.

Favorite Flip-Flop Friday

Rainbows Sandals. They are classic and comfortable, my favorite flip-flops of all time. Just bought a new pair yesterday to replace my four-year old ones that my rottweiler (King) nibbled too many times. These are the best. Rainbows mold to your feet so the more you wear them, the better they feel. They're quality flops and have a lifetime warranty. If a strap breaks or something (and its not your fault i.e. tripping and ripping is on you), just send them in for a fresh pair. I buy mine at Nordstroms. 

Vintage Purses from New Designer

Local designer, Michelle Cooley, makes these gorgeous purses from vintage materials. Her work and resume is incredible. For starters, she's the mother of 9 children (the eldest is one of my best friends). She designs and sews the purses at her home in Annapolis, adding a little bit of something old and something new to each unique bag. Her creations are called Purses With A Past and have been featured in silent auctions and local boutiques. Check her website & blog to follow the exciting journey of a MILWF (Mom In Love With Fashion).

The Real OC: East Coast, Eastern Shore

My balcony view on 44th St. Oceanside 3/22/11

Hello, Ocean City! Not my first choice for Spring Break but there’s a beach and bars here too. I'm visiting my second home in OCMD to get it ready for summer. My place is in perfect proximity to my favorite spots...

 Bellybuster’s, Seacrets and South Moon Under. 

Bellybusters on 45th street Oceanside

Bellybuster’s is a little shack-style restaurant on Coastal Highway, serving the best spicy shrimp in OC (personal opinion of moi). You can walk in there right off the beach, barefoot and in a bathing suit. If you’re looking for fast and stellar seafood, or a simple grilled cheese and fries, Bellybusters is the spot. OC’s hidden treasure for sure. 

Seacrets "Get Lost and Find Us" on 49th St. Bayside

Seacrets, the most famous and recognizable place here, is known for being one of the world's largest bars. Its an incredible place for drinking, eating and floating (socially & aquatically). The setting is insane, you almost forget you’re in MD. Complete with imported palm trees and tiki torches, every measure of decor was chosen to imitate Jamaica and islands alike. I've been coming to Seacrets with the family for years. Their crab soup and burgers are good, but I was often distracted by the roped-off scene: bartenders serve floating patrons as they sit on rafts, jet skis, in-water tables and booths. Last summer I was finally 21 and participated by boozing in the bay too. It was great. I’m a sucker for “signature” anything so I would recommend Seacret’s Signature Dirty Banana Daiquiri (yum). 

South Moon Under on 80th St. Bayside

South Moon Under: my favorite store. Their buyers are amazing and really capture the ideal East Coast style, combining causal comfort with contemporary trends. The store’s headquarters are located in Berlin, MD (right outside OC). They first opened here in 1968 as a surf shop. Since then, they have branded themselves as a surf chic boutique and expanded store locations to Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda and Towson, with a few more shops in surrounding states (DE, PA, VA). Their Ocean City location has two levels; the second floor hosts primarily bathing suits, a vast collection of every desirable option. They also carry clothing and shoes for men and women, in addition to accessories and home decor. Offering the best designer jeans and bikinis, SMU is definitely my first choice location for shopping splurges. Check out their style blog or shop online. 

Two Weeks Notice

CEO and founder, Blake Mycoskie, created TOMS in 2006. TOMS has created a movement and dedicated a day to recognize their cause by hosting a open-invitation event on April 5th called One Day Without Shoes. In two weeks, be like Blake and go barefoot for an entire day. The philanthropic brand is truly incredible, like it’s inspirational founder, and this event will follow suit. Participate and forget to wear shoes on April 5th! 

Sliver Slippers

I l-o-v-e my glitter TOMS. Other than flops, they’re my favorite choice of footwear. I love the way they look (like Aladdin), how they feel (like slippers) and what they stand for (helping humanity). Every time someone buys TOMS, a child in a third world country is given a new pair of shoes. One-for-one is the motto of the brand as they passionately sponsor a philanthropic cause that makes anyone with a heart (or feet) want to partake.

Watch this video and you’ll want to wear TOMS too. 

Gold Medal in Style

This necklace resembles a mini gold medal you can personalize by choosing your own initial. Its so simple but when it comes to everyday jewelry, minimalism is key. I l-o-v-e my initial necklace from South Moon Under. It compliments everything I wear and really accentuates a solid summer tan. A friend of mine bought both her initials with two chains, I plan to copy that decision seeing as layered necklaces look effortlessly chic. 

'Tis the season to flip flop

Spring is back and so is my favorite footwear. Though its not their signature season, it is socially and seasonally acceptable to rock flip-flops again. With the change in temperature comes the change in trends and subsequently, the fabulous opportunity to adapt to both with personal style. My blog will be filled with my favorite things pertaining to fashion, trends and travel. Style is a choice to which I apply the flip-flop philosophy: breezy comfort. I enjoy suburbia and love the city, but the beach is my geographical preference.